“Ensuring that Grenada’s culture becomes more prominent within the society” is the focus of the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Grenada Cultural Foundation (GCF).
Livingston Nelson, who took up the appointment from April 03, told The Grenadian Voice that “the intention is to revive, research, demonstrate, display, publicise and preserve all things Grenadian.”
Nelson, who previously served as CEO of the GCF for 18 months during the 2008 to 2013 reign of the National Democratic Congress administration, explained, “I want to hear more Grenadian music, see more local plays, have our children more exposed to the Grenadian way of life, get people to have a greater appreciation for our patrimony; our lands, lakes, forts.”
This, the CEO said can become a reality through research, documentaries, having public spaces for displays, more proliferation of Grenadian products on social media for more visibility and seek inclusion on the school curriculum.
Nelson, who is a published poet and storyteller, is the founder of the Tivoli Drummers and has led the
group for the past 27 years. He has been the organiser of cultural workshops and drum festivals.
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture in announcing Nelson’s appointment noted that “apart from assuming responsibilities for the day-to-day running of the Foundation,” he “will be expected to develop and recommend strategic plans to the Board consistent with the vision and mission of the Foundation as outlined in Act No. 23 of 1998, otherwise known as the Grenada Cultural Foundation Act, 1998.”
The Ministry in its April 14 news release welcomed Nelson, stating that it looks forward to working with the Foundation “in fulfilling the charge given by the Prime Minister to make Culture and the Creative Arts a pillar in the Government’s Transformation.”
Nelson takes over from Shirma Wells, who announced her resignation via Facebook, in August of 2022.
He has been contracted with the Foundation for two years.
